I have finally got to the point where I can play my high d without a lot of squeaksd and jumps. I love it. I dont care about playing the low ones as much anymore. I thought it was going to be impossible, but I guess time and practice make it possible. I have a few different whistles mostly cheaper ones I am waiting for a Impempe and hope to get it soon.
My fav right now is a clarke orig. that I tweaked a bit.
I just wanted to share my excitement , hard to explain it to my wife, my daughter is getting rid of the squeaks too. We played some at the family christmas party a couple together and a couple solo. GREAT FUN.
Congratulations, Houston Steve!!
For a long time I could hardly play a high A or B on a D whistle without blowing out windows. Finally, after much practice, I can hit them with a volume just above the breaking point where I “honk” between octaves. It is very satisfying.
And especially satisfying with my “thumbnail tweaked” Clarke Original, which I am learning to like more and more. With proper exercise, I can play tunes on it without excessive panting–and the softer sound, reaching right up to the high B, is really satisfying. And it seems much easier to hit the upper octave without pushing so hard. The Clarke has a sound all its own–and I have the satisfaction of playing a real tinwhistle!
Good for you! Feels good, doesn’t it?
Another Clarke Original design fan here!
I am spending quite a lot of time just now with my new Every Whistle in just intonation that I got for Christmas!
Now, I can see that there is a possibility that the Every whistle might replace the Clarke as my favorite D whistle. It is quite flexible in both volume and tone.
I love the muted (breathy) tone for late night/early morning apartment practice and for waltzes and slow airs.
The almost full blast setting (stronger lower octave with a nice chiff, louder but still sweet, not shrill second octave) is great for day time playing.
The large holes make it easier to feel than the Clarke, though. It is much lighter than the Clarke, which takes some getting used to.
Yeah, playing music is most definitely exciting. The only way your wife will understand it is if you get her hooked too. Maybe a different instrument eg a mandolin. Between you, your daughter and your wife, you’ve got the fixin’s of a nice home session.